BOCES honors adult literacy graduates

Herkimer BOCES Chief Operating Officer James Picolla told the adult students at their graduation that deciding to go back to school is one of the bravest things they could do.

"You should be proud of yourself," Picolla said.

Students who graduated from either taking the National External Diploma program or the high school equivalency test called the Test Assessing Secondary Completion, or TASC, were honored at the Adult Literacy Graduate Recognition Program on June 14 at the William E. Busacker Complex in Herkimer.

High school equivalency graduate Annaliese Pasquale gave the keynote speech during the ceremony — noting it was the first speech she has ever given in front of more than three people. Pasquale talked about anxiety being something she deals with at all times.

When anxiety grips her and her heart races, she stays determined to not let it prevent her from taking opportunities such as going back to school to earn her diploma or give the graduation speech, she said.

"I can’t let anxiety or anything else stop me from what I want to do with my life," she said.

Pasquale talked about her upbringing and high-school experiences, discussed the question of the meaning of life and said life can get you down, but you have to overcome your doubt.

"I think it’s about finding out who you are," she said.

After the ceremony, other graduates spoke with Pasquale about how they related to her struggles battling anxiety. Pasquale said during the speech that overcoming anxiety is a step-by-step process, and she expects college will be in her future.

"Now that I’ve graduated, I want to see where life takes me next," she said.

Herkimer BOCES Adult, Early Childhood and Outreach Education Director Mary Kline spoke to graduates and continued her tradition of reading a children’s book that has a strong message for the graduates by reading "I Wish You More."

Herkimer BOCES Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Laurie Hedges closed the event by sharing thoughts with the graduates and asking the graduates’ families and friends in attendance to take a moment to thank each other for helping the graduates along their journeys.